Things to do this week in the Buffalo area

Buffalo River Festival. 9 a.m. June 16 at Buffalo River Fest Park, 249 Ohio St.

This free, one-day festival features family activities and live music. Here’s a quick overview of some of the activities. Waterfront Memories & More, a museum located in the Old First neighborhood, will have a tent from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those 14 and under can participate in a fishing competition starting at 9:30 a.m. A children’s area with games is open from noon to 6 p.m. Rides on the historic Edward M. Cotter, a fireboat built in 1900 and still in use by the Buffalo Fire Department, will be available at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (For reservations, call 716-553-8350.) The Cotter is widely considered the oldest active fireboat in the world and has earned National Historic Landmark status in 1996. Music is provided by Joe & the Shmoes from noon to 3 p.m. and Bleeding Hearts from 3 to 6 p.m. All proceeds from food and beverage support the maintenance of the Buffalo River. Fest Park, so no coolers will be allowed. Lounge chairs and blankets are welcome. For more information, visit buffaloriverfestpark.com.

Salsa in the park. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through July 8 at Rose Gardens Pavilion at Marcy Casino, Delaware Park, 199 Lincoln Parkway.

Have you ever wanted to do salsa? Or do the cha-cha? Here’s your chance. Salsa in the Park has become an annual summer event at Delaware Park where you can learn to practice these and other dances, whether you are a beginner or experienced. The evening begins with a beginner’s dance class, followed by an open social dance including salsa, timba (Cuban salsa), bachata, merengue, cha-cha and kizomba. You do not need a partner to participate; groups and families are welcome. Classes are led by Sarah Haykel, who founded the Latin dance company Salsa for the Soul in 2008. Classes run weather permitting, with cancellations due to inclement weather by 3:30 p.m. A rescheduled date has already been moved to July 22. Food will be available. from the Lloyd food truck. Classes are $15 for weekly events; Children aged 10 and under are admitted free with an adult. A grand final concert will take place on August 19; $20. Visit sarahhaykel.com.

Book signing “Buffalo Fluffalo”. 2 p.m. Friday, June 14 and noon Saturday, June 15 at the Buffalo Zoo.

“Buffalo Fluffalo” is the story of a gentle but insecure Buffalo who bluffs to make others believe he is bigger than he really is. When the truth comes out, his animal friends are there to help him. It is written by Beth Kalb, an Emmy-nominated comedian, who visits the Buffalo Zoo to sign copies of her children’s book. You will find it near where the bison move. Stay a while and visit the bison and other animals at the zoo.

DC Theatricks Advantage. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at the Town Ballroom, 681 Main St.

Buffalons remember the devastating four-alarm fire in March 2023 that destroyed the building that housed the long-open downtown DC Theatricks business and led to the tragic death of firefighter Jason Arno. Friends and family are hosting a benefit for DC Theatricks owners Dave DeJac and Doug Caskey, who opened their business in 1981, their senior year in the University at Buffalo’s theater arts program. Originally a magic supplies and special effects store, it has grown over the years to provide stage makeup, costume sales and rentals to local and national schools and theater companies . For the benefit, performances are provided by Powerhouse, Carol Jean Swist Jazz Combo, the Diva Ensemble and Rock Voices Chorus, Stonehouse Blues and 55 Main. Food is prepared by Rosalind’s Catering and Lovejoy Pizza (donated by Denise Larson). There will be a 50/50 drawing, raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $25 and include admission and food. Purchase in advance at dctheatricksbenefit.eventbrite.com or pay cash at the door.

Silo City Reading Series. 7:30 p.m. Saturday June 15 at Marine A, Silo City (behind Duende).

The 12th season of this multi-genre celebration of poetry, music and art returns to the Marine A grain elevator in a three-part series. The first will take place June 15 at an event led by Fred Moten, author of “Perennial Fashion Presence Falling.” Moten is a National Book Award finalist poet and cultural theorist. He is accompanied by Christina Vetga-Westhoff, poet, translator and aerialist. New York musician Brandon Lopez and Buffalo painter Bree Gilliam will also be in attendance. Other events will take place on July 27 with poet Michael McGriff, Cindy Juyoung OK, Sun June and Ariel Aberg-Riger. On August 31, Megan Fernandes, Diane Cao, DJ B-Cutz and flautist Dayatra Amber, as well as a choreographed roller and a visual installation. Doors open at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $15.